Beef, chicken and pork have seemingly endless ways to be incorporated into a recipe. With so many classic dishes dating back thousands of years, along with inspirational new trends, serving these protein favorites are a cinch.

But while turkey can seem to be more challenging to menu in ways that keeps consumers interested, its versatility and ready-for-additions profile aids it in being a perfect vehicle for the global flavors that customers crave.¹

Subtle Flavor, Noticeable Opportunity

Consumers are constantly on the lookout for global flavors. When asked about what they want from food providers in 2024, consumers responded with “more spicy options” and alluded to flavors “from around the world [but] easily available.”¹ Even six of the top 10 most popular food trends in 2024 include global flavors.²

Turkey, having subtle flavor in its natural state, becomes a great protein to play with when experimenting with flavors from cuisines found around the world.

Easy Ways to Win with Turkey

Get some inspiration with these trendy dishes made using turkey.

California Power Bowl

JENNIE-O® All Natural* Flame Seared Turkey Breast Roast, quinoa, carrots, avocado, bean sprouts, pickled onions, roasted corn, pepitos, jalapeños and green goddess dressing.

With an increase of 130% in average monthly searches for “power bowl” over the last eight years,³ this customizable, all-in-one dish has obvious favor among consumers.

Turkey Coconut Soup

JENNIE-O® PERFECT L’ATTITUDES® New World Slow Roasted Turkey, shiitake mushrooms, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, kale, ginger, coconut milk, udon noodles and Thai basil.

The versatility of coconut soup allows for easy adaptation into different cuisines, like Thai, Indian, Filipino and Indonesian.

Turkey Shawarma

JENNIE-O® All Natural* White Turkey Meat Strips, slivered carrots, radishes, Persian cucumber ribbons, pickled red cabbage, red onion and dill yogurt sauce in pita bread.

Originating from the Middle East, shawarma has been adopted into the fares of many cultures, including those of Turkey, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan.⁴

Turkey Larb

JENNIE-O® All Natural* Raw Ground Turkey, peanuts, shallots, red chilies, slivered carrots, basil, fried shallots, watermelon radish, rice noodles and butter lettuce.

This Laotian meat salad traditionally can be made with any type of meat, from beef or duck to buffalo, fish or pork—making turkey an ideal option.⁵

Grilled Margarita Turkey Skewers

JENNIE-O® Grand Champion® Turkey Breast Roast, sliced red onion and green peppers skewered and served with charred lime.

Skewers can be one of the most customizable ways to serve food. Head to any restaurant that menus them, and you’ll find skewers featuring bovine, swine, shellfish and beyond, allowing ample opportunity for turkey.

Turkey Soba Noodles

JENNIE-O® PERFECT L’ATTITUDES® New World Slow Roasted Turkey, soba noodles, red chilies, peanut sauce, green onion, carrots, edamame, crushed peanuts and crunchy chili crisp.

While ramen is incredibly popular in Japanese fare, consumers of the island nation have actually been enjoying more soba noodles with their meals recently.⁶ Combine that trend with America’s massive appetite for noodles,⁷ and this dish becomes your next potential hit.

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Note the Nutrition

We’re all well aware of the demand for nutritious items on the menu. Even with the period of indulgence following the pandemic, consumers today are still seeking better-for-you foods.¹

Turkey isn’t just perceived to be a more nutritious protein—its nutritional makeup suggests it. According to the American Heart Association, turkey is “a great source of protein, rich in many vitamins (like B6, B12 and choline) and minerals (like magnesium, phosphorus, iron, potassium, zinc and selenium), and is low in fat when skin is not included.⁸ By offering turkey on the menu, you’re giving consumers the more nutritious options they’re looking for.

Protein at the Right Price

Because turkey prices are decreasing as production and availability increase through 2024,⁹ you can charge the same for a dish as you would for pork or beef while enjoying higher margins.

You can also consider using unique turkey dishes to create LTOs and up-charge for their novelty—giving consumers special, globally inspired meals while helping out your bottom line.

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